Nissan at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show

ROLLE, Switzerland : Nissan will have a host of new cars for Europe on display at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show.

Qazana Show Car

The star of the Nissan stand will be Qazana, a show car. It is best described as a small Crossover, and has been conceived to challenge conventional wisdom about what buyers of small five-door cars should expect.

The striking design is dominated by large, wide wheelarches and a lower shape which gives a feeling of strength, while the upper body is dynamic, assertive and sporty. Qazana is a five door, with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of ‘suicide doors’.

Qazana will reinforce Nissan’s position as a pioneer of Crossovers, building on the success of the Murano - now in its second generation, the Qashqai and recently introduced Qashqai+2.

NV200

Another world premiere is the debut of the passenger version of the forthcoming NV200 line-up. Designed to offer accessible, practical family transportation, NV200 is a three row vehicle, with sliding side doors for easy access to the rear. The roomy interior can be configured differently to accommodate up to seven occupants and is designed to be flexible, comfortable and convenient, with lots of storage space, which is essential for large families on the move.

The van and Combi versions will be introduced at a later date.

370Z

Being shown for the first time in Europe, Nissan’s all new Z-car picks up where the popular 350Z left off. Using an enlarged version of the VQ V6 engine, now producing 331PS, and driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, which is available with the world’s first synchronized down/up shift rev control system, or an all-new paddle-operated seven-speed automatic.

The 370Z is more agile, thanks to a shorter wheelbase and overall length, as well as being lighter by 32kg. Interior comfort, quality and refinement have been improved, but the uniquely fun, adventurous driving characteristics of the Z remain. Customer deliveries start in July.

Cube

Already an icon in its home market of Japan, the all new Cube will be introduced for the first time in Europe in November, where its unique, friendly design will appeal to European car-buyers who are looking for something genuinely new and different.

Its large, open and airy interior will win the hearts of city-dwellers who are not traditional car ‘fans’, but who will find Cube appealing as it is an extension of their personality - creative, fun and distinctive. In Europe, the Cube will come with both a 106PS DPF-equipped 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol, producing 111PS.

Pixo

With European consumers demanding more value for money, combined with low emissions and fuel consumption, the time is right for Pixo to join Nissan’s line-up. Powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, it produces just 103 g/km CO2 and delivers fuel economy of 4.4 l/100km (64.2 mpg) on the combined cycle. These figures will position PIXO among the most affordable eco-cars in the small city car category. To further add to its appeal, Pixo will be one of the most affordable cars available on the market with an automatic gearbox. Customer deliveries start in June.

X-TRAIL Platinum

Also on display will be the new X-TRAIL Platinum, which reinforces the X-TRAIL's natural strengths of comfort, practicality and dynamic performance.

Externally, X-TRAIL is now available with Scratch Shield Paint, giving the exterior a degree of protection from light stone chips and damage typically sustained in a car wash. More visibly, the top X-TRAIL Platinum will be fitted with new 18” alloy wheels, adding presence and style to the vehicle’s appearance.

The X-TRAIL Platinum provides added appeal thanks to the availability of a bespoke eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. An auxiliary input plug has been added to all X-TRAILs in the central armrest storage compartment, allowing occupants to connect their MP3 player, while also leaving it hidden when they leave the vehicle. Customer deliveries begin in March.

The Nissan press conference will be hosted by Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd at 17:00 on Tuesday 3rd March.

Source : www.theautochannel.com (2/2/2009)